Cable carrying method and apparatus for modular computer cabinets and the like

Abstract

A cable or wire (information bus, power supply, etc.) carrying method and apparatus for modular computer cabinets and the like in which the cabinet frame end walls have notch-like voids. The notches, preferably on the rear side of the cabinets are nearly fully enclosed, save a small opening (to preserve structural integrity) through which the cables may enter. The openings are covered by closure members and decorative trims once the cable is in place. The result is a modular computer system without unsightly wires, and in which the modules may be easily and quickly inserted or removed without the need for dismantling the cable attached to the backs of the other modules.

We claim: 
     
       1. A cabinet housing electronic circuitry comprising: a plurality of end walls, at least one of which has a notch at a first edge of said end wall, said notch for receiving interconnect cables which span through planes projected by said end walls;   a closure member corresponding to each said notch for closing said notch to prevent cable ingress or egress through said notches, but not preventing the extension of interconnect cables through said notch and through the projected planes of said end walls; and   structural members spanningly coupled to said first edges, but not completely covering said notch;   wherein said closure members are removably coupled to said structural members, and a portion of each said end wall wraps around one of said structural members.   
     
     
       2. The cabinet in claim 1 further comprising a cover removably coupled between said end walls to cloak interconnect cables between said end walls. 
     
     
       3. A modular cabinet cluster comprising a plurality of cabinets, each said cabinet housing electronic circuitry and comprising: a plurality of end walls, at least one of which has a notch at a first edge of said end wall, said notch for receiving interconnect cables which span through planes projected by said end walls;   a closure member removably coupled to each said notch for closing said notch to prevent cable ingress and egress through said notch, but not preventing the extension of interconnect cables through said notch and through the projected planes of said end walls;   the electronic circuitry of each said cabinet, operatively coupled by at least one interconnect cable to the electronic circuitry of at least one other cabinet via a duct formed by positioning said cabinets so that the notch of one cabinet is adjacent to the notch of another cabinet; and   structural members spanningly coupled to said first edges, but not completely covering said notch;   said closure members removably coupled to said structural members.   
     
     
       4. The modular cabinet cluster in claim 3 wherein a portion of each said end wall wraps around one of said structural members. 
     
     
       5. The modular cabinet cluster in claim 3 wherein each said cabinet further comprises a cover removably coupled between the end walls of that cabinet to cloak interconnect cables between said end walls. 
     
     
       6. The modular cabinet cluster in claim 4 wherein each said cabinet further comprises a cover removably coupled between the end walls of that cabinet to cloak interconnect cables between said end walls.